AOA Award for R&S security scanner installation at Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport and Rohde & Schwarz earn top Airport industry accolade

Edinburgh Airport and Rohde & Schwarz named Best Solution Provider at the annual Airport Operators Association (AOA) Awards in the UK for security scanner installation.

Edinburgh Airport and Rohde & Schwarz today announced that they have been named Best Solution Provider at the 2018 AOA Awards for improving the passenger experience and security through the installation of new scanners. The AOA is the national organisation for UK airports.

Peter Barnes, Security Operations Manager at Edinburgh Airport, welcomed the award saying, “Edinburgh Airport’s journey to improve the passenger experience and enhance security through automated passenger scanning was greatly aided by our partnership with Rohde & Schwarz. The R&S team has been fantastic before, during and since the scanners were installed and for this reason alone it is great to have this independent recognition of our achievement together.”

Frank Mackel, Managing Director at Rohde & Schwarz UK LTD, added: “This award is a tribute to the Airport, the customer facing team at Rohde & Schwarz and all who were involved in creating this ground breaking product. Edinburgh Airport not only delivers the best possible experience for passengers clearing security today, but is well positioned to conform to new, more stringent security standards that are becoming mandatory in the near future.”

Edinburgh Airport installed three R&S QPS200 scanners in its main search area in March 2018 following a successful pilot project. The scanners were an instant hit with passengers and staff, halved the time taken to complete a scan and doubled the clear scan rate. Staff particularly welcome the high clear rate and have confidence that if the scanner flags up a concern there is something there to find. Edinburgh Airport is in the process of upgrading to the newly introduced R&S QPS201, which is twice as fast and much smaller, and was Highly Commended in the Best Innovator category at the AOA Awards.

The UK Department for Transport is now preparing to demand that 100% of passengers are automatically scanned. Peter Barnes believes that, with Rohde & Schwarz’ help, the airport is well prepared for this requirement without extended times and queues.